It's one of the most famous sports images of all time. Former heavyweight boxing champion Sonny Liston is sprawled on his back in the boxing rim. Muhammad Ali stands over Liston, holding his right hand as if ready to throw another punch. The reigning world champion had just thrown a short, right-handed punch to the side of Liston's head. In a flash, Liston had gone down. The photo of the angry Ali standing over the fallen challenger was taken in an instant by photojournalist John Rooney, but the controversy over the 1965 fight lingers to this day.
"The latest set in the Captured History Sports series features photos of African American athletes. Each book tells the story behind the picture on its cover, including relevant biographical information and historical perspective as well as commentary on the featured photo and photographer. Well placed to support the text, the many illustrations include action shots and scenes related to the political and social conditions discussed in many of these volumes. . . .These books will certainly capture the attention of kids interested in sports, civil rights history, or photography."
Booklist
"An exciting and unique approach to history."
Nonfiction Notes from the Horn Book
"Top 10 Series Nonfiction. Taking the well-regarded Captured History series in a new direction, this handsome series focuses on iconic photographs in athletics, showcasing one picture per volume and explaining its backstory and the circumstances surrounding the moment it was taken."
